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can support these qualification S.169
<br /> Different types of examinations performed include visual, radiographic,
<br /> ultrasonic, in-process, liquid-penetrant, magnetic-particle, and hardness testing.
<br /> While these examinations are a part of the quality assurance procedures for new piping, leak testing
<br /> should also be performed to test the overall system.According to ASME B31.3, leak testing is required for all
<br /> new piping systems other than those classified as Category D, which can be examined for leaks after being put
<br /> into service. Options for leak testing include hydrostatic, pneumatic, hydro pneumatic, and alternative leak
<br /> tests.
<br /> The standard requires that records detailing the examination personnel's qualifications and examination
<br /> procedures be kept for at least five years.Test records or the inspector's certification that the piping has passed
<br /> pressure testing are also required to be retained.
<br /> 7.7.13 ASME Code for Pressure Piping B31.4-2006 - Pipeline Transportation Systems for
<br /> Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids
<br /> ASME Code for Pressure Piping B31.4-2006—Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons
<br /> and Other Liquid S170 describes"engineering requirements deemed necessary for safe design and construction of
<br /> pressure piping."These requirements are for the "design, materials, construction, assembly, inspection, and
<br /> testing of piping transporting liquids" such as crude oil and liquid petroleum products between various facilities.
<br /> Piping includes bolting,valves, pipes,gaskets,flanges,fittings, relief devices, pressure-containing parts of other
<br /> piping components, hangers and supports, and any other equipment used to prevent the overstressing of
<br /> pressure-containing pipes.This code's primary purpose is to "establish requirements for safe design,
<br /> construction, inspection, testing, operation, and maintenance of liquid pipeline systems for protection of the
<br /> general public and operating company personnel."
<br /> The personnel inspecting the piping are deemed qualified based on their level of training and experience
<br /> and should be capable of performing various inspection services such as right-of-way and grading,welding,
<br /> coating, pressure testing, and pipe surface inspections. Inspections of piping material and inspections during
<br /> piping construction should include the visual evaluation of all piping components. Once construction is
<br /> complete,these piping components and the entire system should be tested.Testing methods include
<br /> hydrostatic testing of internal pressure piping; leak testing; and qualification tests based on a visual
<br /> examination, bending properties, determination of wall thickness, determination of weld joint factor,
<br /> weldability, determination of yield strength, and the minimum yield strength value.
<br /> Records detailing the design, construction, and testing of the piping should be kept in the files of the
<br /> operating company for the life of the facility.
<br /> 169 ASME 831.3 does not have specific requirements for an examiner,but SNT-TC-1A,"Recommended Practice for Nondestructive
<br /> Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification,"acts as an acceptable guide.
<br /> 170 ASME Code for Pressure Piping,B31.4-2006,"Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids,"The
<br /> American Society of Mechanical Engineers,revision of ASME B31.4-2002,2006.
<br /> SPCC GUIDANCE FOR REGIONAL INSPECTORS 7-77
<br /> December 16, 2013
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